Tuesday, December 13, 2011

I recently went on a trip to Portland for work, and I was so excited to have a few hours in the evening to search for some new fabrics.

I intended to search for some wools for pants and coats and warm wintery things like that. However, the wools this time of year didn't catch my eye. Most were in neutral tones beiges, browns, off-whites, blacks and navy, and I was in the mood for color!

However, I came home with some very nice silks and my luggage thanked me for not being overly heavy! My find of the trip was a gorgeous floral linen that I'll have to photograph and post.

The fabric pictured above is a fabric I had trouble locating on my trip. I had it in mind for some time but I couldn't remember when I got to the fabric store who made it. It's Line Dance by Kaffe Fassett and I have to say even prettier than in the photo. The yellow and green tints are just a bit more subtle and the fabric so soft. It is going to have to be part of my Spring Palette - maybe a beautiful Chantilly or Parfait from Colette patterns!

Monday, December 5, 2011

The Fall Palette Challenge was not completely successful for me. I finished 4 out of the 5 garments, but produced one that I will never wear.

My lessons learned from the challenge were plenty! First, I was not totally open with myself on what I would wear vs. what I wouldn't. I wanted to stay on a budget and use fabric I already owned. I ended up using a very bright yellow that I bought through an online purchase that I knew wasn't what I wanted.

I was constantly waiting on patterns or waiting on fabric which resulted in me either being way behind scheduled or way ahead of schedule. Then work got too busy and I just wasn't able to concentrate on my sewing as much as I had liked. I ended up working on and finishing some items that were not part of my challenge but then did not complete the entire challenge either.

The positive side is that I made several fall items that I have already worn again and again! I got a lot of practice in tracing patterns and making adjustments to the patterns to fit my body and practiced finishing my garments nicely. All in all I am ready to attack the Spring challenge when it arrives with even more enthusiasm.

The cream corduroy clovers pictured above were the final item I made towards the fall challenge. They are super comfortable and I can't wait to make more clover pants!

The construction was a breeze especially since I left the pockets out. I keep searching for them - so, the next pair I am definitely going to add them back in. I can't wait to make the Capri version for Spring and some wool version for the cooler months!

The top is an Ice blue Georgette Pendrell blouse that I made in between the challenge items. It was my first time sewing with silk and it took a lot longer to put this blouse together than my previous cotton version. This is another item I would love to make again and again!

Later this week I'll be posting my first completed item from the Colette Sewing Handbook!

About Me

My name is Jessica and I live in Agoura Hills California. I love fashion, making my own clothes, knitting, quilting, other crafts and gardening. This blog is a place for me to share my projects and hopefully inspire others.